Firefighters’ quick response challenged by unresponsive drivers – Gregory Wickham

…says with new equipment, more training, GFS aims to meet int’l standards

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is making significant strides towards meeting international firefighting standards, with Fire Chief Gregory Wickham at the forefront of these efforts.
Wickham, in an interview with Guyana Times on Wednesday, shared his optimism about the Service’s progress, citing new equipment and rigorous training as key factors in raising their operational capabilities.

“We are doing lots of training [internal]. We are also seeking to have training done at an international level with many of our neighbouring countries, regional and international, even in England to give us that international status and to bring us [firefighters] up to the level that we will be compatible or to match our associates across the Caribbean and even on the wide world,” he said.
The Fire Chief added that the GFS is now receiving state-of-the-art firefighting apparatus. These tools include advanced fire trucks, and specialised rescue equipment, all of which contribute to quicker response times and improved incident management.
Wickham also emphasised Guyana’s proximity to its Caribbean counterparts in terms of firefighting capabilities.
“When it comes to compatibility with our regional and international colleagues, we are not too far away from them. This has been practically seen through courses that we would have done when we would have visited these nations. However, there is still work for us to do. There is always room for development.”
He said one of the GFS’s main challenges lies in reaching remote areas due to the country’s diverse and challenging terrain.
Additionally, Chief Wickham expressed concerns about drivers failing to adhere to flashing lights and sirens on the roads, hindering speedy response to emergencies.
“There are always going to be challenges, but some of the issues that have really become challenging for us have to do with our response. Many times, when we respond with the sound of the martial horns, the sirens, the tooting of the horns, and the flashing lights, many drivers on the road do not respond positively to that, and some who respond, do not respond in a timely manner…”, he explained
“Many times, we had to stop to allow people or drivers to clear the path so that we can get to the persons who might be in distress…”.
In light of their commitment to progress, the GFS is also gearing up for a significant move. The organisation is transitioning to new headquarters at Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown, which will provide a modern and expansive space to accommodate its operations.
The new facility is partially occupied at present, with plans to fully transition in the coming months. This move is expected to bolster the GFS’s coordination, training, and overall operational capabilities.
In November 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs awarded a $614 million contract to Mohammed’s Enterprise, for the construction of the new head office of the fire service.
The GFS headquarters is currently situated in the congested Stabroek Market area; this has proven to be a major concern for firefighters who continue to be hampered by the heavy traffic in that area. (G9)